by severian73
Hey, thanks for this nice comparison.chaosjenkins wrote:
I have and enjoy both, but I have to say I'm stunned by the chorus of folks who give the edge to DC. Although, I suppose I should take note of which game's forum this happens to be.
In the role of Devil's Advocate, I'd have to give the edge to Legendary.
From a game engine standpoint, DC is arguably tighter, but after several plays, I'm disappointed in the implementation of the one currency system. I also have a very difficult time reconciling any kind of story or the true nature of the opposition of the players. Superman vs. Batman doesn't make sense game in and game out, and that's before you even get to Superman using the Batmobile or Batman using the dreaded heat vision.
What I do to make the narrative work in my head for the DC game is say that each player is creating a comic book. Player A is creating a Batman comic book and Player B is creating a Superman comic book (or whatever characters you're using). You're trying to tell the best story, with the most villain take downs and innovative uses of powers, gadgets and guest starring heroes.
That works, but I just feel more story with Marvel. The use of scenarios with twists and separate Villain and Hero Decks to be employed by players working in cooperation to deploy champions to slap down villains and foil the mastermind's plot just feel more like the kind of exercises that should accompany such a heroic theme.
I also really enjoy the use of spatial elements in the Marvel game with the spaces on the villain track often having meaning to certain villain powers or schemes. The way villains escape is a nice touch, too.
It comes down to this for me: (YMMV)
DC Pros
•Better use of art
•Quicker set up
•Tighter mechanically
•Presumably scales better
•Each player takes on a separate heroic characteristic
DC Cons
•Odd implementation Theme/Narrative
•One currency system is questionable for such a dynamic range of options
•Easy to get hosed in card choice by luck of the draw (like Ascension - although the not replacing the cards in the row until the end of the turn helps some)
•Horrible box (less horrible if you don't sleeve)
My Score 7
Marvel Pros
•••Semi-cooperative play + scenario & spatial elements make for better execution of Theme/Narrative
•Dual currency system seems to fit dynamic range of options better — making players have to decide to go for Attack Power or Recruiting Power or Balance.
•Better card choice for each player each turn
•Excellent storage (Space for sleevers, and/or expansions)
Marvel Cons
•Repetitive Art
•Difficulty tends to run on the easy side of things.
•Unlabeled Dividers
•Longer (albeit often exaggerated) setup time.
My Score 8
That being said, we're lucky to have two good deck building options from such excellent comic book IPs. Both games offer some truly bonkers chain/combo opportunities, and I don't think a buyer can really go wrong with either.
It's kind of like if your only option is to watch Young Justice on TV or go to the movies to see The Avengers. You're going to win, either way.
Ultimately, preference will be a matter of individual tastes, as, objectively, neither game is inherently superior to the other.
In the role of Devil's Advocate, I'd have to give the edge to Legendary.
From a game engine standpoint, DC is arguably tighter, but after several plays, I'm disappointed in the implementation of the one currency system. I also have a very difficult time reconciling any kind of story or the true nature of the opposition of the players. Superman vs. Batman doesn't make sense game in and game out, and that's before you even get to Superman using the Batmobile or Batman using the dreaded heat vision.
What I do to make the narrative work in my head for the DC game is say that each player is creating a comic book. Player A is creating a Batman comic book and Player B is creating a Superman comic book (or whatever characters you're using). You're trying to tell the best story, with the most villain take downs and innovative uses of powers, gadgets and guest starring heroes.
That works, but I just feel more story with Marvel. The use of scenarios with twists and separate Villain and Hero Decks to be employed by players working in cooperation to deploy champions to slap down villains and foil the mastermind's plot just feel more like the kind of exercises that should accompany such a heroic theme.
I also really enjoy the use of spatial elements in the Marvel game with the spaces on the villain track often having meaning to certain villain powers or schemes. The way villains escape is a nice touch, too.
It comes down to this for me: (YMMV)
DC Pros
•Better use of art
•Quicker set up
•Tighter mechanically
•Presumably scales better
•Each player takes on a separate heroic characteristic
DC Cons
•Odd implementation Theme/Narrative
•One currency system is questionable for such a dynamic range of options
•Easy to get hosed in card choice by luck of the draw (like Ascension - although the not replacing the cards in the row until the end of the turn helps some)
•Horrible box (less horrible if you don't sleeve)
My Score 7
Marvel Pros
•••Semi-cooperative play + scenario & spatial elements make for better execution of Theme/Narrative
•Dual currency system seems to fit dynamic range of options better — making players have to decide to go for Attack Power or Recruiting Power or Balance.
•Better card choice for each player each turn
•Excellent storage (Space for sleevers, and/or expansions)
Marvel Cons
•Repetitive Art
•Difficulty tends to run on the easy side of things.
•Unlabeled Dividers
•Longer (albeit often exaggerated) setup time.
My Score 8
That being said, we're lucky to have two good deck building options from such excellent comic book IPs. Both games offer some truly bonkers chain/combo opportunities, and I don't think a buyer can really go wrong with either.
It's kind of like if your only option is to watch Young Justice on TV or go to the movies to see The Avengers. You're going to win, either way.
Ultimately, preference will be a matter of individual tastes, as, objectively, neither game is inherently superior to the other.